While jobs are at a premium right now anywhere in the country, there are openings in Chatham-Kent.
Chatham-Kent Economic Development and Employment and Social Services are reminding people who are looking for careers, that businesses are still hiring even during the COVID outbreak. Essential businesses across industries such as health, agriculture, manufacturing, service delivery, finance, and many more are actively seeing new employees for both part-time and full-time roles.
“There is no doubt that businesses have been hard hit in recent weeks, but there are still many who are hiring new staff in order to provide important products and services that we need,” said Jamie Rainbird, Manager at Chatham-Kent Economic Development. “In our conversations with business leaders it is very clear that workforce needs continue to be a top priority.”
Program Manager Matthew Keech tells 99.1 the increased promotion of the job board ties directly into Mayor Canniff’s new Economic Task Force, focusing on the recovery of the local business economy.
“The task force is concentrating on how we navigate the crisis together and how can we plan for economic recovery,” says Keech. “One of the take away points we’ve acted on quickly was learning that there are still many local employers who DO need employees for both part time and full time roles.”
In an effort to help address the labour market demands, the municipal jobs board has been undergoing a series of updates to make it easier for both people to find jobs and for employers to list them.
Whyte’s Pickles in Wallaceburg and Peeter’s Mushroom Farm in Charing Cross are two of the local companies currently hiring. Whyte’s is looking to hire forklift operators, general labour, and a machine operator.
Keech says the Municipality is utilizing the online job board through the C-K Employment Resource Centre to promote local employment opportunities.
“When people visit www.chatham-kent.ca/jobs, they are able to search through a variety of community positions currently available,” said Matthew Keech, Program Manager with Chatham-Kent Employment & Social Services. “We have also made it easier for businesses to add their job listings to the online jobs board and continue to streamline the process.”
Keech added, “People seeking employment opportunities may find support through the help of Employment Resource Advisors at the Chatham-Kent Employment Resource Centre at 519-436-1123. The advisors can help with job search resources, leads, and information on area employers. The advisors are also available to assist businesses with posting job opportunities.”
Economic Development has also been working with a variety of other partners including the Goodwill Career Centre, St. Clair College Employment Centre, and Settlement Services career development team.
“The first stop for careers needs to be the Chatham-Kent jobs board. After that, we encourage businesses and residents to look across all tools available to them, including our partners’ websites and others such as Indeed, and LinkedIn,” said Rainbird. “Chatham-Kent is a perfect community to raise a family, have a great quality of life, and to find meaningful work. Everyone is welcome.”
In addition to an updated careers list on the Chatham-Kent community jobs board, people can also find information about volunteer opportunities, training and supports, and program for businesses and entrepreneurs.
For more information and employment opportunities, visit www.chatham-kent.ca/jobs.
You can also contact the C-K Employment Resource Centre at 519-436-1123.
